Pequots replace Schemitzun with smaller gathering

MASHANTUCKET, Conn.—The Mashantucket Pequot tribe is cutting back on what had become one of the major American Indian gatherings, Schemitzun.

A smaller social gathering will be held in August. Schemitzun has been sponsored by the tribe since 1991 and cost the tribe about $1 million.

A tribal member said vendors, tribal members, sponsors and employees were notified Monday that the large-scale celebration has been canceled.

The smaller powwow will be held on the grounds of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and will cost the tribe less than $50,000.

Schemitzun celebrates the harvest and means “feast of the green corn and dance” in the languages spoken by the Mashantucket Pequots and other Eastern tribes.